I don’t know about your pup, but my dog loves to lay out in the sun. Like most dogs he doesn’t enjoy hot days, but he does like to soak up the sun’s rays. With all the messaging about the harmful effects of the sun for humans when UV levels are high, it got me thinking about how it is affecting our dogs. We’ve got some tips to help in protecting your dog from the sun
Take the fun indoors
There are specific times of day when taking cover from the sun is advisable. UV rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10am to 4pm. During this period, why not take the fun indoors or to a shaded area. Draw the drapes or shades to keep the house cooler.
Add a protective layer
We’re all familiar with coats for dogs to provide warmth and protection against cold and rainy weather. Not everyone is aware of the dog clothes designed to give UV protection. If your dog has short hair or exposed areas of skin, this could be a great option to keep him cool and protected at the same time.
Slather on the sunscreen
Don’t go to your nearest drugstore for this one, as the sunscreen designed for human use is not suitable for dogs. Ask your veterinarian for dog-appropriate sunscreen to block both UV-A and UV-B rays and then this can be applied to vulnerable areas such as the nose, ears and other areas, depending on breed.
Put the clippers away
It may seem counterintuitive, but when it comes to dogs a longer coat can give more protection and be more cooling than a close crop. The natural cooling properties of the coat help keep the heat at bay. A clean and fluffy longer coat provides a better defense against heat and the sun.
Style it out with shades
Some dogs benefit from having K9 appropriate sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV light. This eye wear tends to be goggle style so that they stay in position. Consult your veterinarian for sun protection for dogs to address the vulnerable eye area.
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a veterinarian for advice specific to your dog.
